From sacred chants to cartoon rants: The many voices of Manubir Kaur

Ludhiana: With her enchanting voice gracing everything from spiritual hymns to animated characters, Manubir Kaur is a rising talent defying expectations. While many assume the childlike vocals in popular songs such as Pyari Sada Kaur and Pyaara Bacha Nikka Jeha Khalsa are sung by children, they are actually the work of this versatile young artist.
She said: "I think I have been singing for as long as I can remember." What began as a natural flair for melody transformed into a professional journey after she participated in music competitions like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Gavhi Sachi Baani, and Dil Hai Hindustani. These experiences refined her skills and deepened her understanding of the music industry.
Training and breakthrough
Manubir Kaur trained at the Ishmeet Singh Music Institute in 2018, enhancing her vocal range and adaptability. Her breakthrough came when she submitted recordings to Anahad Productions in Chandigarh. Impressed by her talent, the production house called her for an audition, leading to her first recordings for spiritual Gurbani animation videos such as Kirtan Sohila and Rehras Sahib.
From lending a playful tone to the title track of Pyari Sada Kaur to voicing children's songs and animated characters, Manubir Kaur has demonstrated remarkable vocal versatility. "I had gone there for singing initially, but when I learned about an anime series being planned, I auditioned for character voices, and everyone was really impressed," she said.
Expanding horizons
Her ability to modulate her voice for different roles has led to opportunities in dubbing for animation and short films. Her unique vocal style often surprises listeners, with some doubting it is her real voice. "Sometimes I have to perform in front of people just so they believe it's actually me," she said with a smile.
Her foundation in music is deeply rooted in Gurmat Sangeet and classical ragas. While Gurbani remains her guiding light and passion, she aspires to extend her repertoire into mainstream playback singing. Inspired by legendary artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya Ghoshal, Richa Sharma, and Sunidhi Chauhan, Manubir Kaur envisions a future where she balances both spiritual and commercial musical paths. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her journey stands as a testament to talent, dedication, and the power of a voice that transcends expectations.